Secret iPhone apps you never knew existed - including hidden TV remote

Annabal Bagdi
·2-min read
Your iPhone knows some tricks -Credit:PA
Your iPhone knows some tricks -Credit:PA


There are a number of lesser-known iPhone apps 'hiding' on your smartphone and the first one turns your device into a secret TV remote. Your iPhone is packed with hidden apps and features, some more useful than others.

One such feature is an often-overlooked TV remote, which can be accessed by typing a secret code. This trick comes in handy especially when you're not near your regular TV remote or if it's lost down the back of the sofa.

However, this feature is specifically designed for Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TVs, so it won't work if you don't have one of these. To access it, simply go to the Control Center. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.

Read more: Amazon Fire stick warning

For iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. Look for the Apple TV Remote button, which looks like a remote control. If it's not there, edit your Control Center and add it using the Settings app.

After tapping the icon, select your Apple TV or smart TV and follow the on-screen instructions. You can then use the iPhone app just like a regular TV remote.

Another hidden gem is the Code Scanner app that comes preinstalled on every iPhone. It's designed to let you quickly scan QR codes in the real world.

To access it, swipe down on the middle of your Home Screen to bring up the search bar. Type in Code Scanner and tap the app that appears.

Point your iPhone at the QR code to scan it. You can increase the brightness by tapping on the flashlight icon.

The third hidden app is known as Field Test. Firstly, you need to switch off your iPhone's WiFi connection.

Next, open your Phone app and navigate to the dialpad. Now enter *3001#12345#* and then press the call button.

This will direct you straight to the Field Test app, where you can view a range of measurements for your iPhone. The most intriguing one is signal strength, typically referred to as RSRP 0.

This displays your iPhone's signal strength in decibel milliwatts, providing more detail than simply looking at your signal bars. It should be displayed as a negative number and the closer it is to zero, the stronger it is.

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